UD Almería make a flying start to 2026 with gritty derby victory
The Rojiblancos climb into automatic promotion places despite absences and youth call-ups
UD Almería’s display against Granada CF can be likened to a grand entrance in their first league outing of 2026. After ending 2025 with back-to-back defeats, the Rojiblancos knew victory was essential to steady their promotion push l, and they delivered, despite severely testing circumstances.
Head coach Rubi was forced to work with just 15 available first-team players, completing the matchday squad with seven youngsters from UD Almería ‘B’, although Bruno Iribarne, Dzôdić, Pedro Fidel and Perović are already regular members of the senior set-up. Hou made his league debut after featuring in the Copa del Rey, while right-back Luis Martins and midfielder Hugo were included in a first-team squad for the first time.
Despite the lack of options, UD Almería battled their way to three vital points. The win lifts them into the automatic promotion places and cuts the gap to league leaders Racing Santander to just two points after their draw in Valladolid. However, with the season still finely poised, the race remains wide open.
CD Castellón have also announced themselves as serious contenders following their emphatic victory over SD Huesca. Looking ahead to next Saturday’s fixture against CD Mirandés, with the venue yet to be confirmed between Anduva and Mendizorroza, availability will once again be crucial.
Pedro Fidel is a doubt after being forced off through injury, while there is better news regarding Horta, who has recovered from a viral infection, and Thalys, who is expected to return from Brazil after resolving visa issues. Soko, meanwhile, is in Africa Cup of Nations round-of-16 action with Cameroon this Sunday; an early exit could see the striker return in time to close out the first half of the season.